These tasty treats are so easy to make. I always keep a batch in the freezer. You just pull them out and toss them in the air fryer.
I get so many compliments from people when I bring these guys to the party.
Cheesy Pleasy Pizza Popper Pleasers
These guys go fast, so make sure to make an extra batch. If stored properly they are good for up to 5 days in the fridge and up to 3 months in the freezer.
You can use store bought pizza dough, but I recommend you use My go-to Pizza Dough Recipe. Its soft, airy texture is perfect for this recipe.
Ingredients
30 oz Pizza dough ball
flour for dusting
12 oz shredded whole milk mozzarella cheese
24 each pepperoni slices
6 oz pizza sauce
olive oil or The olive oil baste you’ll want to use on everything
toasted sesame seeds (optional)
Directions
- If pizza dough is refrigerated, bring to room temperature in covered container (1 - 2 hours).
- If cooking in oven, preheat to 450 degrees Fahrenheit. For air fryer - preheat to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
- On lightly floured surface, divide dough into 12 2.5 oz balls. Flatten into squares, leaving space between each square. Cover with clean kitchen towel and let dough rest in warm place for 15 minutes.
- Roll out each square a little more, without tearing the dough. Cover and let rest another 10 minutes.
- Roll out each square one more time to approximately 5x5 inches each. Cover one last time and let rest 10 more minutes.
- Working one square at a time (keeping the other ones covered), Place 1 TB mozzarella cheese in middle of square. Place 1 pepperoni slice on top of cheese. Spoon 1 TB of sauce on top of pepperoni. Place another pepperoni on top of sauce. Put 1 more TB mozzarella cheese on top of 2nd pepperoni.
- Gently pull up corners of dough, one at a time to cover ingredients. Seal dough and gently pack it into a ball with your hands, like you would a snowball. Then gently roll the sealed ends around on the lightly floured surface to smooth it out. Place the balls, seal side down on a lightly oiled, aluminum foil covered baking sheet. Repeat for the rest of the balls, being sure to leave space between each ball.
- Brush each ball with olive oil. Then sprinkle sesame seeds on top (optional). For oven, place baking sheet in oven and cook till a light golden brown (about 20 minutes) For air fryer, cook in batches, being sure to keep a little space around each ball, cooking till golden colored (about 8 - 10 minutes).
- Let cool a few minutes and serve with pizza sauce or ranch dressing for dipping.